OPERATOR

We have watched the Operator spread like wildfire to all corners of this gravity-graced earth. From the Alps to the Rockies, and every collection of mountains in between, the perfectly priced, performance-laden Operator is by far one of the best bang-for-the-bike, fully equipped downhill bikes on the market today.

OPERATOR Gravity

One of the fastest, lightest, most capable downhill bikes in the world: From Graham Agassiz’s 70-foot step-down at the 2014 Red Bull Rampage to Antoine Bizet’s Nine Knights double backflip—the first ever on a DH bike. Let us not forget Connor Fearon’s blazing World Cup performances and Tegan Malloy’s World Championship win. For the everyday, downhill-loving mountain biker, Kona’s Operator series is gravity done smart, fast and fun.

INTEGRATED HEADSETS

Integrated headsets are simple, light and effective headset systems whereby the bearing race cups are actually part of the head tube, either machined away and left with the head tube, or glued in (carbon), or welded in with steel or alloy. Like an internal headset, an integrated headset also reduces stack height, so the height of the stem and bars are more adjustable, giving the rider the best fit possible.

TAPERED HEAD TUBE

More girth at the bottom of the head tube better distributes shock force, prolonging the bearing life of the headset itself and eliminating brake shudder, while providing positive steering performance. The inherent strength of its triangular design also means a stronger steering position and improved balance, giving the rider more control in rough terrain. A zero-stack, tapered head tube also puts strength where the load is going—into the lower headset cup—maximizing bearing durability where it’s needed.

12x157mm AXLE

12x142mm, 12x148 and 12x157 rear axle standards provide two major advantages to the Kona rider: the 12mm diameter of the rear axle provides the rear hub and frame with a stiff interface, while the 142/148/157mm outer diameter of the hub allows the wheel to be quickly and properly positioned in the frame before the rear axle is inserted. New for 2016, you’ll see the 12x148 standard in the mix, featured primarily on the new alloy Honzos. 12x148 provides more tire clearance at the chainstay yoke, while the rear wheel is stiffer and more durable relative to a 12x142 thru-axle.

BEAMER INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION

Designed to be off-the-top progressive, Beamer Independent Suspension helps the bike stay higher in the travel and recover from hits more quickly. It’s imbued with what our product managers like to call “pure shock movement,” whereby the shock is protected from side load. Beamer is featured on our super-playful Carbon Operator platform.